Panama

Internship Program

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What is ECOFARMS Panama? ECOFARMS Panama (EF) is a grassroots educational and developmental platform that brings together students, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts. Working together with the community, we strive to improve both the quality of life of local people and the overall health of the environment in the Mamoni River by developing and apply implementing responsible farming and conservation techniques.

What does EF hope to accomplish? We are striving to create a healthy and productive ecosystem in the Mamoni River valley that promotes responsible environmental practices while incorporating Panamanian traditions and the needs of the local community. With the help of motivated interns and volunteers, we hope to bring together knowledge and experience from around to world to address the important environmental issues confronting the Mamoni River. In dealing with these issues, we hope to provide a unique learning environment where students are encouraged to provide insight and ideas to meet the challenges confronting EF and, indeed, the world. In addition to environmental goals, EF is dedicated to improving the lives of local farmers (campesinos) through education while striving to protect a traditional Panamanian way of life. The future of the rainforest in the Mamoni River area depends on everyone working together towards a common goal, and the future of the area’s inhabitants depends on the health of the land. 2

What can I expect from an internship with EF? Hands-on Experience and Workshops During your stay you will have plenty of opportunities to “learn by doing.” You will be able to dig in the dirt in our vegetable garden, explore the surrounding rainforest, learn about the local flora and fauna, talk and collaborate with local farmers, pitch-in with the construction of new facilities, learn about tropical forestry, and assist visiting researchers with their studies at the MaBiC. Make sure to ask our team if a certain project is especially appealing to you and we will work to find a good balance between your area of interest and our projects.

Community Outreach Community involvement is key for the long-term sustainability of ECOFARMS Panama and its goals. Real, lasting change comes from within, and a comprehensive approach to education is needed to spread awareness and enhance understanding of the issues confronting the rainforest in the Mamoni River. All interns will be able to work with local farmers and depending on your program structure and the term, the community outreach component may include educational programs in the school of Las Margaritas and/or programs for other farmers and families in the region.

A Stimulating Learning and Working Environment Students come to ECOFARMS from different universities, countries, and backgrounds to work together towards a common goal. Each person’s unique ideas, knowledge, and experiences come together to create a truly unique learning environment where everyone’s skills are valued and collaboration is essential to accomplishing goals. As any employer will tell you, being able to work together with your peers outside of a traditional classroom is an invaluable skill for the modern professional.

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2014 Term Dates: Contact our staff Fees: 480 USD/Month Includes:  Transportation to and from Panama City  Accommodation  Meal Plan: 3 meals per day (vegetarian options available)  Project Materials  Plenty of one-on-one guidance *With proper notice, we are able to make arrangements for special payment methods.

Important Information * ECOFARMS Panama and MaBiC are unable to provide insurance to their volunteers at this time. Every volunteer must bring along his/her own insurance. A signed waiver is also required for every volunteer before we enter the project site. * Costs incurred from recreational trips to Panama City are not included (i.e. bus fare, lodging in the city, dining out, etc.). However, we are happy to help you organize local transportation to Panama City as well as provide information on activities in the surrounding area. * Transportation to and from EF is included in the cost we can provide it only on certain days. Check with our staff before making flight reservations.

* ECOFARMS Panama and the Mamoni Bio-tropical Center are young grassroots projects that rely on support from volunteers to implement our ideas. Both projects are in an early development stage and as facilities expand, there is likely to be some construction happening during your stay. We ask that you remain open-minded regarding management during these times, as much of the work is shared with locals. *At the MaBiC, we work hard to provide safe, comfortable, and sanitary conditions for our guests. However, we remind our applicants the facilities are simple and the surroundings rustic. During the rainy season (July-December), the road to the center can become muddy enough that driving is not possible, and some walking will be required. 4

How to Apply Every applicant must submit the following documents to be considered for an internship:  A completed copy of our volunteer/internship application form.  Curriculum Vitae  One page letter detailing your motivation for coming to EF and what you hope to gain from an internship with us  Resumé (if applicable) *Send documents to: [email protected] [email protected] After we have reviewed your information, a member of our staff will notify you by email regarding the status of your application. The final step in the application process will be an interview conducted by phone or through Skype. Contact Us Germany: Carola Paul +491702324492 Carola Paul and Fernando López

Panama: Gaspar Sabanas, Chepo District, Panama Mamoni River Valley www.ecofarmspanama.org Tel: 507-6929-2195 Skype: ecofarmspanama 5

Panama

Come join us!

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